Best Chequered Flag Podcasts (2025)

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Mexico City Grand Prix Preview 49:17

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1h ago49:17

49:17

Harry Benjamin, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer, F1 journalist Rebecca Clancy and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson preview the Mexico City Grand Prix. Is Max Verstappen in the title fight? And where are things going wrong for McLaren? We hear from their CEO Zak Brown.By BBC Radio 5 Live

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US GP race recap in Austin 1:02:55

3h ago1:02:55

1:02:55

Send us a text Welcome to Austin! We’re chatting all things US GP from on track action to off track drama exclusively of McLaren’s own making and the giant Max Verstappen thorn in their side. Who will win the driver’s championship?!? WE LITERALLY DON’T KNOW!!! Let’s dive in to the US Grand Prix! Watch the episode Isack Hadjar responds to Fernando A…

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US GP Review | ‘Meek’ Piastri, Max living ‘rent free’ & F1 WAGs 39:45

1d ago39:45

39:45

Chris McHardy and Robert Doornbos are back in the hotseats as they reflect on a US Grand Prix utterly dominated by one man: Max Verstappen. Robert explains why Oscar Piastri’s recent travails may be terminal. For this season at least. Plus it’s not good news for McLaren’s other title contender, Lando Norris, as Robert makes a damning claim. What of…

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United States Grand Prix Review 31:53

3d ago31:53

31:53

Is it unthinkable that Max Verstappen has become some people’s favourite for the drivers’ title? 1996 world champion Damon Hill joins Jennie Gow and Harry Benjamin to reflect on his lights-to-flag victory in Austin. They hear from the four-time world champion, as well as the two McLaren drivers he’s hunting down - Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.…

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US Grand Prix Saturday Review 32:55

4d ago32:55

32:55

Has Max Verstappen put himself in the title race? With both McLaren drivers failing to score in the sprint and the Dutchman starting Sunday’s race from pole, Jennie Gow, Harry Benjamin and Christian Hewgill look back on a dramatic day in Austin. They hear from Verstappen, Norris and Piastri.By BBC Radio 5 Live

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United States Grand Prix preview 54:45

6d ago54:45

54:45

Will what happened in Singapore change the dynamic between McLaren’s two drivers for the rest of the season? Harry Benjamin is joined by Andrew Benson, Jennie Gow, Jolyon Palmer and Will Buxton to preview the race in Austin. We hear from both McLaren drivers, while George Russell discusses his new Mercedes contract and Haas’s Ollie Bearman sums up …

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Chequered Flag Extra: McLaren’s Meteoric Rise 26:39

14d ago26:39

26:39

Harry Benjamin and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson discuss McLaren’s constructors’ title victory. We talk about their rise from worst team at the start of 2023, to two-time champions by the end of 2025. But now that this title is wrapped up, how will they manage the ongoing battle for the drivers’ championship between Oscar Piastri and Lan…

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Singapore Grand Prix 2025 Recap 1:00:39

15d ago1:00:39

1:00:39

Send us a text Welcome to the Singapore Grand Prix! We're getting through a whirlwind recap of Monza and Baku before diving into the Singapore GP. More specifically, what is going on in the house of McLaren and will Oscar Piastri FINALLY be entering his villain era? Let's get into it! Watch the episode FIA re-evaluated Carlos Sainz incident in Zand…

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Singapore shocker: McLaren’s Papaya Rules favour only one man 45:51

18d ago45:51

45:51

By thepittalkpodcast

51
Singapore Grand Prix review 44:12

18d ago44:12

44:12

Are tensions starting to simmer at McLaren despite the team clinching their tenth constructors’ championship? Harry Benjamin and Sam Bird look back on the race and hear from both McLaren drivers after they made contact on the first lap. Team principal Andrea Stella joins the pod to put the team’s achievements into perspective. Plus, we hear from ra…

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Singapore Grand Prix Qualifying review 31:11

19d ago31:11

31:11

Can Max Verstappen keep his winning streak alive? The Dutchman lines up second on the grid, just behind Mercedes’ George Russell for Sunday's race. Harry Benjamin, Sam Bird and Jennie Gow review qualifying from Singapore and hear from the top three drivers.By BBC Radio 5 Live

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BONUS: Chequered Flag Live in Singapore 1:03:00

21d ago1:03:00

1:03:00

Jennie Gow is joined by Ruth Buscombe, Andrew Benson and Edward Russell for a special live podcast in Singapore. The team discuss racing in Singapore and the 2025 title fight. Plus, they are joined by a couple of special guests – F1 Academy driver Alisha Palmowski, and Sauber team principal Jonathan Wheatley.…

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Singapore Grand Prix preview 27:24

21d ago27:24

27:24

Can Lando Norris continue to narrow the gap to McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri as F1 heads to Singapore? Eleanor Oldroyd is joined by Jennie Gow and Andrew Benson to discuss the championship rivals at McLaren and whether Red Bull's Max Verstappen has forced himself back into the title picture. We hear from Norris, Piastri and Verstappen.…

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Chequered Flag Extra: Albon on life at Williams & Verstappen in the hunt? 31:02

28d ago31:02

31:02

Harry Benjamin & the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson discuss McLaren’s messy Baku weekend, Max Verstappen’s title hopes, Christian Horner’s Red Bull departure and Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin comments. Plus, Harry sits down for an in-depth chat with Williams driver Alex Albon, who speaks about his career to date, and why Williams have had an…

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Azerbaijan GP Review & Max’s Grand Slam Shakes Up Title Fight 41:45

1M ago41:45

41:45

Baku delivered chaos and controversy. Max Verstappen smashed the field with a ruthless grand slam – pole, every lap led, fastest lap, race win – his sixth clean sweep to equal Lewis Hamilton and throw himself back into the title fight.By thepittalkpodcast

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Azerbaijan Grand Prix Review 36:34

1M ago36:34

36:34

Ben Edwards, reigning F1 Academy champion Abbi Pulling & the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson react to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Would the race be as dramatic as qualifying? Would polesitter Max Verstappen secure his second successive victory? And would Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris fight back up the grid in the title battle? We hear from Ver…

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Azerbaijan Grand Prix Qualifying Review 32:56

1M ago32:56

32:56

Ben Edwards, reigning F1 Academy champion Abbi Pulling and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson reflect on a chaotic Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Who would take pole? Would Verstappen continue to compete at the front following his win in Italy? And how would Piastri and Norris perform as the McLaren’s battle for the title? We hear from the key protag…

1
Chequered Flag Extra: McLaren Team Orders & Eyes To The Lights 30:43

1M ago30:43

30:43

Harry Benjamin and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson reflect further on the story dominating Formula 1 following the Italian Grand Prix – McLaren team orders. Should they have swapped Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris? We answer your questions and ask whether the move was fair. Plus, we go behind the scenes on a race gantry, finding out what it…

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‘McLaren’s team orders akin to match fixing’ | Schumacher’s Ferrari clause 43:35

2M ago43:35

43:35

Robert Doornbos and Chris McHardy run the rule over a controversial Italian Grand Prix in the latest episode of the Pit Talk Podcast powered by Ethara. Robert doesn’t hold back in his assessment of McLaren’s decision to let Lando Norris pass team-mate Oscar Piastri late on in Monza after a pit stop howler. Part and parcel of racing or is a rule cha…

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Oscar’s Perfection, Lando’s Pain & Hadjar’s Breakthrough 42:26

2M ago42:26

42:26

Oscar Piastri delivered a flawless weekend at Zandvoort, securing pole, fastest lap, and the race win to take control of the title fight. Lando Norris, meanwhile, endured heartbreak in qualifying and the race, while Isaac Hadjar stunned the paddock with his first Formula 1 podium.By thepittalkpodcast

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Italian Grand Prix Review 34:32

2M ago34:32

34:32

Harry Benjamin and British racing driver Alice Powell reflect on a dramatic Italian Grand Prix. Could McLaren challenge polesitter Max Verstappen for victory at Monza? Would team orders come into play as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri battle for the championship? We hear from the key drivers of the day, plus the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson…

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Italian Grand Prix Qualifying Review 26:53

2M ago26:53

26:53

Harry Benjamin, Jennie Gow and British racing driver Alice Powell reflect on qualifying at the Italian Grand Prix. Who would take pole position as the battle for the championship intensifies? We hear from the top three and discuss the fastest lap in Formula 1 history. Plus, how would Ferrari perform on home soil, as Lewis Hamilton looks to overcome…

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Italian Grand Prix Preview 58:04

2M ago58:04

58:04

Jennie Gow is joined by former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson to look ahead to the Italian GP. We hear from McLaren’s Australian star, Oscar Piastri, who sits down for an in-depth chat with Rick Edwards to speak about topping the driver standings and his title chances. Where does Lando Norris now stand in the c…

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Dutch GP Race Recap 45:12

2M ago45:12

45:12

Send us a text Let’s debrief a very chaotic Dutch Grand Prix!! From sad boy dune edits to Isack Hadjar’s first podium, there’s loads to debrief from this incredibly chaotic Dutch Grand Prix. Let’s go! Watch the episode Cadillac announce Valtteri Bottas and Checo Perez as drivers for 2026 Valtteri Bottas surfs with an American flag to announce his s…

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Dutch Grand Prix Review 35:17

2M ago35:17

35:17

Rosanna Tennant, Harry Benjamin & reigning F1 Academy champion Abbi Pulling react to a dramatic Dutch Grand Prix. Who would take a vital victory in the battle for the championship? We hear from the key protagonists, including McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, as well as four-time world champion Max Verstappen. We also discuss the big winn…

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Dutch Grand Prix Qualifying Review 37:25

2M ago37:25

37:25

Rosanna Tennant, Andrew Benson, Harry Benjamin & Abbi Pulling react to qualifying at the Dutch Grand Prix. Who would take pole position in the battle between the McLaren drivers? We hear from both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Plus, could Lewis Hamilton get his season back on track in the Ferrari following a disappointing first half of 2025? We a…

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Dutch Grand Prix Preview 40:02

2M ago40:02

40:02

Rosanna Tennant, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer & the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson look ahead to the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. We hear from both McLaren drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, as their championship battle intensifies. Can Lewis Hamilton turn around his tough start to life at Ferrari? And will home hero Max Verstappen …

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McLaren’s title fight, Red Bull’s slump & Hamilton’s Ferrari woes 21:21

2M ago21:21

21:21

Chris McHardy and Robert Doornbos take stock of a dramatic first half of the 2025 season. From McLaren’s dominance and Oscar Piastri’s rise, to Red Bull’s shocking slump and Lewis Hamilton’s struggles at Ferrari, nothing is off the table. Robert also shares behind-the-scenes summer break stories from his F1 days, explains why Zandvoort is such a ch…

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Formula 1 Summer Break 2025 | recapping Hungarian GP, Spa GP, and holiday shenanigans 54:08

2M ago54:08

54:08

Send us a text What time is it? Summer time! We’re recapping the Hungarian GP and the Belgian GP as well as all the summer holiday shenanigans are drivers have been up to. Get some F1 stickers! CORRECTION: I say that Charles Leclerc hung out with Michelle Yeoh and husband Franz Tost but meant to say Jean Todt OOPS Pato O’Ward on rumors of him joini…

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Chequered Flag Extra: Lando Norris Special 28:53

2M ago28:53

28:53

Steve Crossman is joined by British racing driver Sam Bird and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson to get an insight into exactly who Lando Norris is, as he challenges for the 2025 drivers’ title. What makes the British driver tick? How has he got to the top of the sport? And can he become a champion? Plus, hear from Norris himself as well as …

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Chequered Flag Extra: Claire Dubbelman on life as F1’s Deputy Race Director & women in motorsport 30:41

2M ago30:41

30:41

Jennie Gow sits down for an in-depth chat with F1’s Deputy Race Director, Claire Dubbelman, to speak about her role and how to get more women involved in motorsport. Claire discusses her career to date and how she became part of the race director team alongside Rui Marques. From controlling the chequered flag to directing safety car driver, Bernd M…

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Chequered Flag Extra: Damon Hill Special 26:20

3M ago26:20

26:20

Harry Benjamin sits down for an in-depth chat with 1996 F1 world champion, Damon Hill, to speak about his career and the release of his new documentary, Hill. Damon, who has been part of the 5 Live F1 team this season, discusses the influence of his father, legendary two-time world champion Graham Hill, and how his death affected him. He also detai…

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Why Lewis Hamilton Isn’t Ferrari’s Answer 42:41

3M ago42:41

42:41

Lewis Hamilton’s post-race radio in Hungary raised serious questions about his motivation, and whether Ferrari have made the right call. In Episode 5 of The Pit Talk Podcast, former F1 driver Robert Doornbos and host Chris McHardy react to all the key storylines from Budapest and the final race before the summer break.…

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Hungarian Grand Prix Review 25:14

3M ago25:14

25:14

How valuable could that win prove to be for Lando Norris as Formula 1 pauses for its summer break? Harry Benjamin, Sam Bird and Jennie Gow look back at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where Norris saw off a late charge from Oscar Piastri to reduce the deficit to his teammate in the championship to nine points. They hear from both McLaren drivers, and a v…

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Hungarian Grand Prix Qualifying Review 26:42

3M ago26:42

26:42

Lewis Hamilton called himself "useless" after a frustrating qualifying left him 12th on the grid, while teammate Charles Leclerc took pole. Harry Benjamin is joined by Jennie Gow and Sam Bird to discuss a mixed day for Ferrari. They also hear from Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who line up second and third for Sunday’s race.…

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Hungarian Grand Prix Preview 58:28

3M ago58:28

58:28

Steve Crossman is joined by Jennie Gow, Harry Benjamin, Sam Bird and Andrew Benson to preview the Hungarian Grand Prix. They dive into the growing rivalry at McLaren as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri continue their charge for the title. We hear from both drivers. Williams’ Carlos Sainz sits down with Steve to reflect on life in F1. Plus, why does H…

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FIA Wrath, Tyre Farce & the Tech that’s holding F1 back 43:26

3M ago43:26

43:26

After a mini-summer ‘pitstop’ via Sardinia (more on that later), Robert Doornbos and Chris McHardy reunite to cast their eyes back over a wet and soggy Belgian Grand Prix. And it’s fair to say the FIA don’t come in for much love. Robert also aims both barrels at Pirelli again as the guys ask: ‘what is the point of wet weather tyres’? Chris also put…

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Belgian Grand Prix Review 31:24

3M ago31:24

31:24

Has Oscar Piastri regained the upper hand over McLaren teammate Lando Norris following his win at Spa? 1996 world champion Damon Hill joins Harry Benjamin to dissect a dramatic Grand Prix weekend in Belgium. They reflect on the key moments that defined the race, evaluate what it means for the balance of power at McLaren, and hear from the top three…

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Belgian Grand Prix Qualifying Review 19:08

3M ago19:08

19:08

Can Lando Norris convert his qualifying pole into a race win? 1996 world champion Damon Hill joins Harry Benjamin to look back at both the sprint race and qualifying from Spa. They hear from the top three and a very dejected Lewis Hamilton.By BBC Radio 5 Live

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Belgian Grand Prix Preview 57:29

3M ago57:29

57:29

What does Laurent Mekies’ appointment mean for Red Bull and Max Verstappen’s future? Harry Benjamin is joined by Andrew Benson, Rebecca Clancy and Alisha Palmowski to preview the Spa weekend and break down the ongoing drama at Red Bull. They hear from the new team principal and Max Verstappen.By BBC Radio 5 Live

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Chequered Flag Extra: What next for Max Verstappen? 29:18

3M ago29:18

29:18

Harry Benjamin and the BBC F1’s correspondent Andrew Benson are joined by former Toro Rosso driver Jaime Alguersuari to speak about the situation at Red Bull. What next for the team following Christian Horner’s removal as team principal? And what next for their star driver Max Verstappen? Plus, we hear what new Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekie…

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British Grand Prix Race Recap + Red Bull fires Christian Horner?! 1:00:26

3M ago1:00:26

1:00:26

Send us a text Christian Horner fired, Oscar Piastri has his first emotional crash out, and Nico Hulkenberg on the podium?! Let’s discuss the incredibly chaotic British Grand Prix weekend. Watch the episode MEDIA Max Verstappen surrounded by media Fernando Alonso will only advise for a price Christian Horner’s Instagram farewell post Christian Horn…

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Horner sacked as Red Bull team principal 23:20

4M ago23:20

23:20

Harry Benjamin and the BBC F1’s correspondent Andrew Benson react to the breaking news that Christian Horner has been sacked as Red Bull team principal after 20 years in the role. Red Bull GmBH said in a statement: "Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today." We discuss the facts, ask what it means fo…

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‘No Mercedes smoke without fire’: Doornbos hits back at Verstappen’s ‘headless chicken’ jibe 50:57

4M ago50:57

50:57

After incurring the wrath of Max Verstappen’s father, Jos, Robert Doornbos is playing defence on this week’s Pit Talk, powered by Ethara. And it all stems from claims and counter-claims of exit clauses and Mercedes interest in the four-time world champion. Robert and co-host Chris McHardy also take a deep dive into the British Grand Prix as Lando N…

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British Grand Prix Review 26:51

4M ago26:51

26:51

Lando Norris wins his home Grand Prix and cuts the gap to teammate Oscar Piastri in the title race. Sam Bird and Harry Benjamin join Jennie Gow to reflect on the win, hear from Norris, and get reaction from Andrea Stella and Zac Brown. They also discuss the bizarre moment Norris was injured while celebrating with fans. Plus, Nico Hülkenberg joins t…

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British Grand Prix Qualifying Review 27:02

4M ago27:02

27:02

Can Max Verstappen convert pole into a race win? Nelson Valkemberg and Jennie Gow join Harry Benjamin after the Dutchman beat both McLarens to P1. They hear from Verstappen, Piastri and Norris.By BBC Radio 5 Live

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British Grand Prix Preview 58:42

4M ago58:42

58:42

What does Lando Norris’ recent win mean for his home race at Silverstone? Just one of the questions Harry Benjamin, Rebecca Clancy, Jennie Gow and Andrew Benson tackle as they look ahead to the British Grand Prix. We hear from Norris, as well as Max Verstappen, as the talk he's going to Mercedes isn't going away. Plus, Andrew chats in-depth with Al…

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Austrian Grand Prix Race Recap 42:54

4M ago42:54

42:54

Send us a text Let’s debrief the Austrian Grand Prix where chaos ensued before we even reached the second lap and most importantly the McLarens RACED!!!! Plus, we’re chatting about the off-trach happenings over the last couple of weeks. Let’s get into the Austrian GP! 📺Watch the episode MENTIONED MEDIA Nico Rosberg says he reached out to Lando Norr…

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No home comforts: Verstappen’s F1 title bid over?! 52:09

4M ago52:09

52:09

Ex-F1 driver Robert Doornbos and sports broadcaster Chris McHardy reunite to review the Austrian Grand Prix. In this second episode of The Pit Talk powered by Ethara, Robert outlines the “80-20” rule with McLaren and reserves special praise for one man in the Papaya garage. He also makes a number of bold claims regarding Max Verstappen’s Red Bull c…

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Austrian Grand Prix Review 37:26

4M ago37:26

37:26

Lando Norris wins in Austria, cutting the gap to his McLaren teammate at the top of the drivers' standings. Rosanna Tennant is joined by Ben Edwards, Alice Powell and Andrew Benson to reflect on the race. They hear from Norris, runner-up Oscar Piastri and third-placed Charles Leclerc, as well as McLaren boss Andrea Stella, with F1 now heading to th…